What is Europe's Currency?
Europe does not have one official currency. The euro is the main currency used across much of the continent and is the official currency of 21 European Union countries.
| Currency: | euro |
| Currency code: | EUR |
| Central Bank: | European Central Bank |
| Currency symbol: | € (euro) |
| Currency sub unit: | c (cent) |
| Countries using euros: | 20 |
| Bank notes: | €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 |
| Coins: | 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 |
What is the euro?
The euro, shown as EUR or €, is the official currency of 21 European Union countries. Together, these countries form the euro area, also known as the Eurozone.
Euro banknotes come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and €200 denominations. The €500 note remains legal tender, but the European Central Bank no longer issues it, so you’re unlikely to receive one during your trip. Euro coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent denominations, as well as €1 and €2.
You can use euros across popular destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece and Portugal. However, several European countries use their own currencies, so check the local currency for each destination before you buy euro currency.
Plan ahead with currency bundles, travel insurance & eSIMs
UK | Europe |
|---|---|
| British pound | Euro |
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| Discover more with Cover-More travel insurance by your side. |
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| Choose from a range of eSIMs to suit your travel needs. |
Travel smarter with the Travelex Money Card
Load euros onto Travelex’s travel money card before you leave and lock in the displayed AUD to EUR rate. You can then tap and go wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted, or withdraw cash from supported ATMs.
- Get a better EUR rate when you load AU$2,000 or more.
- Pay in euros from your loaded EUR balance with no currency conversion fee.
- Withdraw foreign cash overseas with no Travelex ATM fees¹.
- Save with no foreign exchange fees^ & real-time exchange rates.
- Top up through the Travelex Money App or online.
- Manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
- Access dedicated Mastercard Global Support 24 hours a day.
- Collect your card free of charge from most Travelex stores as soon as the next business day***
What to spend your euros on:
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Entry to Eiffel Tower
25 euros

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3-mile taxi ride
15 euros

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Tourist t-shirt
10 euros

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Postcard and a stamp
1.5 euros

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French beret (but don't)
20 euros

How to buy euros online
To buy euros online, enter the amount you want to exchange in Australian dollars, then choose either euro cash or our Travelex Money Card. Review the displayed AUD to EUR exchange rate before continuing to checkout and paying online.
Why buy euros with Travelex?
Travelex gives you a trusted and convenient way to buy euros before your trip. You can order online, lock in the displayed AUD to EUR rate and choose euro cash, a Travelex Money Card or both, based on how you plan to spend.
Travelex opened its first store in 1976 and now helps millions of customers in more than 70 countries each year. With us, you can:
- Check the latest AUD to EUR online rate and recent rate history with our Currency Converter before you order.
- Access a better online EUR rate when you exchange AU$2,000 or more.
- Order online and pay using PayID, BPAY, Visa or Mastercard®.
- Use click and collect for euro cash at Travelex stores or participating Australia Post outlets, with more than 3,600 pick-up locations across Australia.
- Choose home delivery for the Travelex Money Card only.
- Manage your Travelex Money Card through the app, freeze it if it goes missing and access dedicated Mastercard support 24 hours a day.
Best place to buy euros in Australia
The best place to buy euros in Australia is one that lets you check the rate before you pay and collect your order at a convenient location. With us, you can buy euros cash online and pick them up at a nearby Travelex store, Australia Post location or airport branch.
Use our store locator to find your nearest branch or view currency exchange locations in:
If you’re working out how to buy euros in Australia before you fly, you can also check our airport locations and choose a collection point that suits your trip.
European Countries and the Euro
| Non-EU members that use the euro: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Monaco | San Marino | Kosovo | Montnegro | Vatican City |
| EU members that do not use the euro: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | Denmark | Sweden |
| Hungary | Czek Republic | Poland |
Plan Your European Adventure
Planning a trip to Europe? Find clear advice on budgeting, travel insurance, euro exchange rates and how to prepare your money before you leave. Use Travelex’s exchange rate tracker to help plan when to buy your euros.
EUR currency & travel services
Europe travel guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Money in Europe
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Do I have to tip in Europe?
Tipping customs differ between countries and venues. Check your bill first, as a service charge may already be included. For example, restaurant prices in France usually include service, although you can leave a small extra tip for good service.
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Can I use Travellers Cheques in Europe?
Travellers’ cheques may still be accepted or exchanged in some places, but they’re much less convenient than they once were. Cards and ATMs are now easier to use across Europe, so consider taking euro cash, a travel money card or a bank card instead.
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Can I use euros in European countries that do not use them?
The euro is the official currency of 21 EU countries, as well as several non-EU countries and territories. In other European countries, plan to pay in the local currency rather than relying on euros. Check the currency used at each destination before you leave.
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Is it better to buy euros in Australia or Europe?
Buying euros in Australia lets you review the AUD to EUR exchange rate, lock in the displayed online rate and arrive with euro cash ready for early expenses. Buying euros after you arrive may suit you if you plan to use cards or local ATMs, so compare the exchange rate, fees and collection options before deciding.
For more guidance on the best ways to buy euros, read our Tips for Buying Foreign Currency.
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Where can I buy euros?
You buy euros in-store. If you prefer to buy online, order euro currency with Travelex and collect your cash from a Travelex store, a participating Australia Post outlet, or a selected airport location. You can also load euros onto a Travelex Money Card for card payments and ATM withdrawals during your trip.
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When is the best time to buy euros?
There is no guaranteed best time to buy euros because exchange rates can move throughout the day. Monitor AUD to EUR trends, then set a target using our free Exchange Rate Tracker to receive an email alert when EUR reaches your desired rate.
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